Local voters will have an opportunity next week to hear from candidates running for seats on the Lenoir County Board of Commissioners and Board of Education.

The forum will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 17 in the Waller Auditorium at Lenoir Community College. The event is free to the public.

It will be hosted by the Young Professionals of Lenoir County, The Free Press and LCC.

“I can’t think of a better way for the Young Professionals to give back to Lenoir County than helping the voters know more about the candidates as they walk into the voting booth,” Justin Hill, chairman of the Young Professionals, stated. “This will be the only time the public will get to see the school board and commissioner candidates face-to-face and I’m excited to hear their thoughts on how to lead the county.”

There are four seats open on the Board of Commissioners — the races for the District 3 and two at-large seats are contested, and incumbent District 4 Commissioner Jackie Brown is unopposed.

There are also four seats open on the Board of Education — as with the commissioner race, District 3 and the at-large seats are contested, and incumbent District 4 board member Garland Nobles is running unopposed.

“The Free Press is pleased to help with the candidate forum in what is arguably the most important election in memory,” Hanks said. “We appreciate the efforts of Justin Hill and the Young Professionals to present this forum, but we also appreciate Dr. Brantley Briley and Lenoir Community College for hosting it.

“I hope everyone comes to LCC on Wednesday to become better educated before they step into the voting booth Nov. 6.”

Election Day is Nov. 6; early voting begins Oct. 18 and runs through Nov. 3.

David Anderson can be reached at 252-559-1077 or David.Anderson@Kinston.com. Follow him on Twitter at DavidFreePress.

BREAKOUT BOX:

If you go:

What: Local candidate forum

When: 7 p.m. Oct. 17

Where: Waller Auditorium, Lenoir Community College

The following candidates are running for open seats on the LenoirCountyBoard of Commissioners and Board of Education: